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From the 1880's and 1890's song writers emphasised the 'Empire', portraying Britain as the Motherland, loved and defended by her devoted subjects. The political situation was often satirised in popular music, here Britain had become involved in the Crimean War. Russia sought to control the Dardanelles, as this would have threatened England's Mediterranean sea routes. The country may not have been so patriotic had it not been for songs like this one which encouraged audiences to support the cause. The illustration, by H G Banks, complements the lyrics which use the analogy of Russia as a bear, and the '...blasting received in '54...' was the Russian defeat at the Battle of Alma.